I have never been on a cruise...do I need a passport? And how long does it take?

Question

We will be going to Mexico for sure and other places. We haven't booked it yet of course, but I'm hoping that I can figure this out so maybe we could end up going!

If anyone has done this and has advice, it would be so much appreciated!

Answer 1

Its a good idea to have a passport when travelling internationally. You may not get in unless the country has a relationship with your country of residence.

Check with a travel agent or the cruise company for exactly what ID you need.

Answer 2

Get the passport.  Download the application, and take it to a major post office, along with pictures from a fast photo place (CVS, Eckerd, etc in US)  and the required proofs of who you are.  Birth certificate must have a raised seal. You  might call courthouse also, and compare prices. (passport price is uniform, but service fee can vary)   Have a great trip.

Answer 3

Well I'm not sure if you would need a passport or not, but check out the state departments website it will answer it.  I think with the new travel rules you might need one.  

hope this helps

Answer 4

if you are going after jan. 1, 2007, you will need a passport.  it takes about 6-8 weeks to get it back.  you can go online and print out the passport application at "us dept of state passport application".  it is very simple to fill out.  just get your passport photo at walmart or walgreens(anywhere like that) and take both to the probate court in your county.  if probate doesn't handle this in your county, they can tell you who does.  good luck!

Answer 5

It will take six to eight weeks to get a passport so start that today. You can go online to get the information. Yes you will need a passport. By next year everyone will be required to have a passport so you might as well beat the crowd. Have Fun!

Answer 6

http://www.rhoda.joystar.com

Answer 7

You've got some great and accurate info so far

...I'd like to suggest: 1.  getting a cabin in the middle of the ship (from left to right and from the top to the bottom) to avoid motion; 2.  make it an inside cabin (you won't do anything but change clothes and sleep there and they cost less than outside cabins); 3.  if given the option, and if you decide to eat in the main restaurant, think about asking for the late seating for dinner.  That will give you the chance to refresh from that day's shore excursion before eating; 4.  treat yourself...dress for dinner!  (WHY NOT?)  Go for the "royal experience", not the "you could have done that and looked like that at home!" experience; 5.  don't be an ugly American.

Enjoy yourself and have many more cruises....

Answer 8

Well i went on a cruise to Mexico The Cayman Islands and the Florida Keys i did not need one. My parents didn't need on either. They just took their birth certificate  and drivers liscense. If you hav a travel agent they should get a booklet to tell you everything. Good Luck!

Answer 9

well you now need a passport to go to mexico.

Answer 10

Many cruises require you to give passport information when you book.  Check the various lines and dates in the internet as there a sometimes very good deals depending when you book

Answer 11

Passport will be needed for ports outside the US after January 1.  They aren't hard to get.  Go for it, cruises are so much fun.

Answer 12

YES.  New homeland security rules make a passport a requirement for anyone traveling outside the US and returning on or after January 8, 2007.  (It was January 1, but it was changed to allow for holiday travel).

I am a travel agent and a cruise is my favorite vacation.  I take two or three a year.  They run from more formal (Celebrity and Royal Caribbean) to "freestyle" (NCL & Princess) as far as evening dining is concerned.  If you're not sure if you'll like a cruise, try a shorter one - 3 or 4 nights for your first time.  You can always work up to the longer cruises.  GO and ENJOY!

Answer 13

you might want to consider getting inoculated against certain ills,and while on the ship be sure and leave your travel checks,and valuables with the Purser.

Depends where you re going and when on the passport,but they are not hard to get.

if you re going to Mexico you ll love the out islands cruises,and especially the sailing cruises like the old barefoot cruises.

Answer 14

You do not need one before Jan 1 07, just I.D. If you are going to go into other  areas I would recommend you get one, it will take it much easier when returning to the states. you can apply for a pass port at one of your main Post offices you can get one in less than a month but it will cost you.

Answer 15

Yes you do need a passport for the cruise. Go to your local post office to apply fro one.

Answer 16

You do need a passport and the date for this starting is now Jan 8th 2007.

I have to disagree with Mazz when they said "It takes about a month".  It used to in the past only take about a month, but NOW with it being required anywhere outside the US several people are applying.  Last I heard and this was about 2 months ago they were on a 12 week wait.  Now granted this maybe has changed a bit.  There are a few places they send to process passport applications so that to can determine how long it will take.  I have heard some get lucky and do get it in a month others not for 8 weeks.  Either way I wouldn't chance it, just go out and do it right away.  If you needed to expedite your passport, meaning it over-nights your passport and bumps you to the head of the line that will cost you about 60 - 80 dollars.  Not sure what it is now a days.

I suggest putting on your passport application for "date of travel" a week before your actual travel date.  

Even children will need passports and there’s aren't good for 10 years like people of 18 + are.  If for example a kid at 15 gets there passport they will have to renew it once they turn 18.  

Passports are good for 10 years they say, but technically it's 9 1/2 years because your passport has to be valid 6 months after your return trip from your last international trip.  

Cruises are great, if you would like some recommendations feel free to message me.

Answer 17

Yes.  It takes about a month to get it if you want to save money, so go for it now.  You get the application from the post office, have your birth certificate (they return it to you).

I got mine recently, went to Bermuda.

Answer 18

Yes, you will need a passport to travel to Mexico, effective Jan 1 , 2007.

Normal processing time is 6-8 weeks. Will cost you $112 per person with the photos taken at the paperwork turn-in location.

Answer 19

You should get a passport.  I have used this company three times and they have been flawless

http://www.americanpassport.com/?engine=...